CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A long-time former City of Clarksburg employee isn’t just relying on his experience to win him a spot on City Council next month–he’s running his campaign around it.
“I was totally involved in all the administrative affairs in the city,” former Finance Director and seven-time interim City Manager Frank L. Ferrari said Wednesday on “The Gary Bowden Show” on the AJR News Network. “I think that the financial record of the city, as indicated by our annual audit, is good. I’ve prepared almost 40 budgets over the years working with the City Manager.”
Ferrari believes his vast knowledge of the city and the city’s finances–40 years as finance director– will make the difference with voters. He said that voters will be able to trust him more than others when it comes to responsible budgeting.
“I’m running on: I know what it takes to move this city forward,” he said. “Just as recently as six months ago, prior to my retirement, I was totally involved in the administrative side of the city. I know where the city is. I know what this city has accomplished. I think we have an excellent administration with the city.”
And while other candidates have expressed concern and some consternation over the price tag attached to the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, Ferrari said that he’s seen first-hand the measures Council is taking to continue to bring the cost down.
“There are some large federal and state tax credits–and I’m talking about multi-million dollar tax credits–that are going to net out the total project cost,” he said. “Hopefully by several millions of dollars.”
Ferrari said that won’t necessarily mean ‘rocking the boat.’ He thinks the current City Council has a strong vision for the future, but that his voice could help push the city into greater prominence.
“I want to continue the road that we’re on,” he said. “And then, as we move forward, try to do things and improve things from all the different areas–hopefully to the citizens benefit.”
Early voting opened Wednesday. Election Day is June 6.
This interview was conducted as part of an ongoing preview of the Clarksburg City Council election. All interviews were conducted on “The Gary Bowden Show” on the AJR News Network.
Previously Interviewed:
- Ryan Kennedy (incumbent)
- Chuck Arnett (challenger)
- Tom Saunders (challenger)
- Margaret Bailey (challenger)
- Marshall Goff (challenger)
- Robert “Bob” Kaplan (incumbent)
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